Mayo High School

Rochester, Minnesota

FIRM

CLIENT

AREA

TOTAL COST

$25,900,000.00

COMPLETION DATE

8/2003

In 2000, during annual maintenance projects, asbestos-containing materials were discovered. A routine remodeling turned into a great opportunity.

Mayo High School had no visual wayfinding orientation through its dark directionless corridors, and it lacked a “sense of place.” The new design created landmarks, uplifting colors, student gathering areas, visual ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONCOST PER SQ FT$80.00FEATURED IN2004 Educational InteriorsINTERIOR CATEGORYInterior Renovation with the exterior and openness with skylights.

Most visibly noticeable, the school’s exterior look was changed from an outdated, energy-inefficient, precast concrete wall system to a crisp, glass curtainwall with earth-tone brick. The school’s interior core spaces, including the new library and cafeteria additions, were moved to the outer ring for after-hour community access.

Flexible team project rooms, learning clusters and new technology encourage teacher collaboration. The renovation created six newly configured, 150-student double houses to break down the scale of the building.

Environmental issues were the catalyst for this project. Hazardous materials were removed, and renovated ventilation systems address indoor air quality. Sustainability was addressed through replacement of light fixtures and windows, building facade, energy-management systems, increased daylight and environmentally friendly materials.